By contrast, several politicians and interests, from labor to business, publicly congratulated Newsom — a kudos orchestration worthy of any gubernatorial spin machine.
Earlier this year, Brown offered business regulatory relief to Republicans as part payment for placing a tax measure on the ballot. He couldn't sell it.
"Every time we talk about regulatory reform, it's in the context of the budget, of appeasing the other side to get a deal," Newsom complained. "It's a political discussion, not a policy discussion."
Good point. Brown — all Democrats — should grab the issue for themselves. Legislative leaders say they intend to.
"We need to change the perception that California is not business-friendly," says Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento).
Leaping out front on economic development showed a ton of chutzpah for a lowly lieutenant governor, especially one from the same party as the big guy.
Brown just got upstaged by a rookie backup. The governor can easily reclaim his rightful place, but only if he moves.
